Marineland charged with 5 counts of animal cruelty

TORONTO – Ontario's animal welfare agency has charged Marineland amusement park in the tourist city of Niagara Falls with five counts of animal cruelty.

The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said Friday the charges relate to peacocks, guinea hens and black bears.

The OSPCA says inspection officers went to Marineland on Nov. 10 after receiving a complaint about alleged animal cruelty.

Marineland faces one count of permitting a peacock to be in distress, one count of failing to comply with the prescribed standards of care for a peacock and two counts for failing to comply with the prescribed standards of care for guinea hens.

The facility also faces charges related to failing to provide adequate food and water for its bears.